Numismatic

1899-S Barber Half Dollar XF

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Struck in the final year of the nineteenth century, this silver half dollar from the San Francisco Mint represents a classic era of American coinage. Minted with a purity of 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Out of a total mintage of 1,686,411 pieces produced for this date and mint mark, this specimen survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the distinct details of its original engraving. The obverse displays a profile of Lady Liberty, who wears a laurel wreath atop her head along with a Phrygian cap. The year 1899 is inscribed below her portrait, while the national motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," arches above. On the reverse, a powerful eagle spreads its wings, shielding its chest with a heraldic crest. The bird holds a symbolic olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, while clutching a banner in its beak inscribed with "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Designed by Charles Barber, this half dollar is a compelling artifact of late Victorian-era coinage.